Moving Expenses Deduction Suspended

Under pre-Act law, taxpayers could claim a deduction under Code Sec. 217 for moving expenses incurred in connection with starting a new job if the new workplace was at least 50 miles farther from a taxpayer's former residence than the former place of work.

New law. For tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017 and before Jan. 1, 2026, the deduction for moving expenses is suspended, except for members of the Armed Forces on active duty who move pursuant to a military order and incident to a permanent change of station.

Exclusion for Moving Expense Reimbursements Suspended

Under pre-Act law, an employee could, exclude qualified moving expense reimbursements from his or her gross income and from his or her wages for employment tax purposes. These were any amount received (directly or indirectly) from an employer as payment for (or reimbursement of) expenses which would be deductible as moving expenses under Code Sec. 217 if directly paid or incurred by the employee.

New law. For tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017 and before Jan. 1, 2026, the exclusion for qualified moving expense reimbursements is suspended, except for members of the Armed Forces on active duty (and their spouses and dependents) who move pursuant to a military order and incident to a permanent change of sta

January 26, 2018 12:00 pm